The Barrie Curling Club (BCC) Curling For Life Program is based on two main programs:
- The Canadian Sports for Life program (CS4L); and
- The Curling for Life program also knows and curling’s Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) program.
The BCC Curling For Life Program combines aspects of both the CS4L and Curling For Life program in order to accomplish several goals:
- Provide fun and effective programs for the kids - this includes the existing Little Rocks, Intermediates and Junior programs. These programs will help our young curlers stay in the sport of curling and make curling a part of their lives for many years to come. The target audience may not remain in the Barrie area for their lifetime, but the love of the sport may have them curl in other areas of the country well into their adult years.
- Provide safe and effective programs for adults – this includes the Learn to Curl program and new Development League. When adults learn to curl safely and effectively, they tend to get better at the sport and as a result remain in the sport longer.
- Provide competitive programs for kids and adults. The BCC is establishing new programs for allowing its members to become more competitive. This may include a future league that is competitive (for example, the Tuesday CYO has new funding for prizes that will engage more competitive curlers), providing additional coaching to teams playing in OCA events, and providing other means to become more competitive.
The CS4L and Curl For Life programs consist of 7 steps:
Stage 1: Active Start (0-6 years)
Stage 2: FUNdamental (girls 6-8, boys 6-9)
Stage 3: Learn to Train (girls 8-11, boys 9-12)
Stage 4: Train to Train (girls 11-15, boys 12-16)
Stage 5: Train to Compete (girls 15-21, boys 16-23)
Stage 6: Train to Win (girls 18+, boys 19+)
Stage 7: Active for Life (any age participant)
Stages 1, 2 and 3 develop physical literacy before puberty so children have the basic skills to be active for life. Physical literacy also provides the foundation for those who choose to pursue elite training in one sport or activity after age 12. The current Little Rocks and Junior program accomplish Stages 1, 2 and 3.
Stages 4, 5 and 6 provide elite training for those who want to specialize in one sport and compete at the highest level, maximizing the physical, mental and emotional development of each athlete. The current Junior program accomplishes a part of stage 4.
Stage 7 is about staying Active for Life through lifelong participation in competitive or recreational sport or physical activity. The Learn to Curl program introduces people of all ages to the sport of curling; our development league helps develop curling ability; and our leagues and bonspiels keep members active for life.
The BCC Curling For Life Program currently accomplishes stages 1, 2, 3 and 7. Some elements of stage 4 are accomplished through the Junior program. The program will improve the BCC’s ability to satisfy the accomplishment of stages 1, 2, 3 and 7; improve stage 4; and provide the opportunity of graduating Junior curlers to accomplish stages 4, 5 and 6.
